Map of Ireland showing where the Mcsheehy arms are recorded
The Mcsheehy arms were recorded in Ireland, c. 1645.
Arms such as these were typically recorded in Dublin.
Dublin was the seat of government in Ireland and the place where grants were sought and recorded. Families with business at the castle or the courts settled nearby, and settling there put their arms on record.
This is where the arms were entered in the register. Families often moved to other parts of the country, so the same name can turn up in more than one region.
The body that granted and recorded arms in Ireland in this period.
Charles I of England
Sovereign of the period
Charles I of England
1625–1649
Reigning in Ireland when the Mcsheehy arms are first recorded.
How Arms Worked in Ireland
The Ulster King of Arms granted coats of arms to individuals who proved their social standing and good character. These symbols were typically inherited by all legitimate descendants of the original holder. If a family branch wanted a unique look, they could apply for a specific change to their design through the office to ensure their identity remained distinct.
Granting authority
The Ulster King of Arms acted as the official body that regulated and issued all coats of arms throughout Ireland.
How they got arms
Families obtained their arms through formal grants issued by the office after proving their eligibility and paying the required fees.
Where arms were recorded
All official grants were recorded in the registers held by the Ulster King of Arms starting from the year 1552.
The family's standing
Recorded among the armigerous families of Ireland.
Origin & History of the Mcsheehy Family in Ireland
The McSheehy family name originates from the Gaelic tradition, where it was historically rendered as Mac Sitheach, meaning son of the wolf. While the family is often associated with the mercenary tradition in Ireland, records confirm their presence in Dublin by 1645. During this period of intense political upheaval in the seventeenth century, the family navigated the shifting loyalties of the Irish capital. They were part of a broader social movement of families who moved into urban centers to participate in trade, administration, and the complex legal landscape of the time. By establishing themselves in Dublin, the McSheehys transitioned from their earlier roles in provincial military service to becoming active participants in the growing commercial and civic life of the city.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Sitheach
An Irish word meaning wolf or silvan.
This name
McsheehyDescendant of the wolf, referring to a fierce or wild warrior.
also spelled
McSheehy
MacShee
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
MacLysaght, Edward. The Surnames of Ireland. 1985
National Archives of Ireland. Civil Survey of the County of Dublin. 1654
Ó Muraíle, Nollaig. The Great Book of Irish Genealogies. 2003
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
lionCourage, strength and royalty
serpentWisdom, healing and prudence
axeThe execution of military duty
shipEnterprise, and a great voyage undertaken
lionCourage, strength and royalty
serpentWisdom, healing and prudence
axeThe execution of military duty
shipEnterprise, and a great voyage undertaken
